bilingual: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “bilingual” mean?
A person who is able to use two languages fluently.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is able to use two languages fluently.
Relating to, using, or expressed in two languages. Often describes an environment, document, or education system that uses two languages.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. 'Bilingual education' is a common term in both varieties, though the specifics of such programs differ by country.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in North America to describe official language policy (e.g., Canada). In the UK, it often relates to personal skill or heritage languages.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to demographic factors and policy discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “bilingual” in a Sentence
bilingual in [Language] and [Language]bilingual [Noun] (e.g., dictionary, school)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bilingual” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The school aims to bilingualise its curriculum over five years.
American English
- The company is working to bilingualize its software interface.
adverb
British English
- The report was written bilingually.
American English
- The town's signage is presented bilingually.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Required for customer-facing roles in multinational companies or regions with multiple official languages.
Academic
Central to studies in linguistics, education policy, and sociolinguistics. Refers to cognitive effects and pedagogical approaches.
Everyday
Describes a person's language ability, often as a point of pride or practical skill.
Technical
In computing, refers to software or interfaces supporting two languages.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bilingual”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bilingual”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bilingual”
- Using 'bilingual' to mean 'learning a second language' (requires fluency). Confusing 'bilingual' (adj) with 'bilingualism' (noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. It generally means a high level of proficiency in both, but one language may be dominant. The term 'balanced bilingual' specifies equal fluency.
Yes, if they acquire and use two languages naturally from an early age, they are often referred to as 'simultaneous bilinguals'.
'Fluent' describes a high level of skill in one language. 'Bilingual' specifically indicates a high level of skill in two languages.
No, it is commonly used to describe things like dictionaries, education, signs, or software that use or support two languages (e.g., a bilingual edition).
A person who is able to use two languages fluently.
Bilingual is usually formal, academic, everyday in register.
Bilingual: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be bilingual is to have two souls”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'bi-' (two) + 'lingual' (tongue/language). Two languages, two tongues.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING A LANGUAGE IS POSSESSING A TOOL. A bilingual possesses two tools.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of a 'bilingual' person?